I currently have a cold. If I feel up to it, is it ok for me to play my trumpet or is this a bad idea? I will appreciate any advice or opinions about this.

Carol K

QUOTE (ckee @ Oct 29 2004, 03:18 PM)

I currently have a cold.  If I feel up to it, is it ok for me to play my trumpet or is this a bad idea?  I will appreciate any advice or opinions about this.

Playing brass instruments with a cold is risky. I remember my son being told not to play his trombone with a cold. I think it was because the pressure could force mucus into the tubes between the nose and the ears. I think I mean sinuses. Anyone with more medical expertise on this?

QUOTE (dacapo @ Oct 30 2004, 03:53 PM)

Playing brass instruments with a cold is risky. I remember my son being told not to play his trombone with a cold. I think it was because the pressure could force mucus into the tubes between the nose and the ears. I think I mean sinuses. Anyone with more medical expertise on this?

The Eustachian tubes connect the pharynx, which is behind the mouth and nose, to the midldle ear (the part just inside the ear-drum). They open, when you swallow, to equalise the pressure on both sides of the ear-drums. Airlines (used to?) give you a sweet when you are taking off, so that you swallow frequently while the air pressure is changing rapidly. If they get blocked, you can get a painful pressure difference across the ear-drum.

It has een my experience that if I have a cold, I don't play Well...unless I am getting paid, then I don't really have a choice

My daughter has suffered from throat problems ( tonsils) for over a year on and off. We have managed to keep it at bay this year, with a series of vitamins and medication. I found this thread interesting as the decision about carrying on playing with even a mild sore throat was difficult for me. She was practicing for her grade 4 cornet, and having lessons through school. I think the teacher was ok about the missed lessons, ( only really being ablt to contact by notes) but I did begin to feel like an overprotective mum ( which i am not!). Luckily, she is much better at the moment, but we now have a brace to deal with !!

if you have a cold drink lots of fluids and wrap up warm. still practise tho, ive always practised thro a cold, altho not for as long as usual.

your breathing wont be as good as normal, but hopefully you wont be ill for long!

hope you get better soon

hornplayer xx

I have always found I feel much better after I play when I have a head cold.

If I am stuffed up, I am clear while I practice and for a while afterward.

The only problem is getting motivated to start when I don't feel my best, but if I can get started, it helps me feel better.

I have been playing for 35 years and have never had any complications from doing this.